A well-established GP Practice, with existing surgeries in Norfolk, is to provide care for patients at the Beechcroft branch Surgery, in New Costessey, Norwich, from October.

Coastal Villages Practices has been awarded a contract to provide GP and practice nurse care to the 4,000 patients at Beechcroft – on an interim basis – from October 1st, 2012. NHS Norfolk and Waveney is planning to run a full procurement process to find a permanent provider of primary medical services at Beechcroft within a 6-12 month period.

Patients are being written to, ensuring they are fully informed.

Dr Mark Newstead, Partner at Coastal Villages Practice said: “The Coastal Villages Practice is a traditional general practice which has been providing medical care to patients in the Great Yarmouth area for many years. Since joining forces with Old Palace Medical Practice in the Norwich last year we have gained a clear understanding of the distinct health needs of the Norwich population.”

“We felt that we would be able to offer what the patients wanted and were delighted when the PCT awarded us the caretaker contract.”

“We are very much looking forward to meeting and working with patients and staff to provide the family doctor services we are sure they would like to have”.

The change of GP Practice at Beechcroft follows the decision by the existing Practice, the Taverham Partnership, to withdraw. They will continue providing primary medical services at Beechcroft until 30 September 2012. From October 1st, 2012 they will be based solely at Taverham Surgery.

Sarah Heycock, Practice Manager at Taverham Partnership said: “The Taverham Partnership is looking forward to working with our colleagues at the Coastal Village Practice to ensure a thorough and seamless transition”.

Elaine Bond, Head of Contracting for Primary Care at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “The PCT is pleased that it has been able to appoint a caretaker practice to ensure services continue to be provided at Beechcroft Surgery.”